Amazing Amazon: A new species found every three days in past decade

THREATENED: Habitat loss is already affecting the Pyrilia aurantiocephala, a remarkable bald-headed parrot

More than 1,200 new species, making area one of the most diverse on Earth

October 2010: Between 1999 and 2009, more than 1,200 new species of plants and vertebrates were discovered in the Amazon biome - or one new species every three days - confirming the Amazon as one of the most diverse places on Earth, says a WWF report.

‘This report clearly shows the incredible diversity of life in the Amazon,' said Francisco Ruiz, Leader of WWF's Living Amazon Initiative.

Far-reaching climatic influence

‘It also serves as a reminder of how much we still have to learn about this unique region, and what we could lose if we don't change the way we think about development, and promote conservation at a regional level that provides economic, social, and environmental benefits to people in the region and those within the Amazon's far-reaching climatic influence,' added Ruiz.

The new species outlined in ‘Amazon Alive!: A Decade of Discoveries 1999-2009' include 637 plants, 257 fish, 216 amphibians, 55 reptiles, 16 birds and 39 mammals.

Among some of the fabulous findings are: 

The first new anaconda species identified since 1936. Described in 2002 from Bolivia's north-eastern Amazon province, and then found also in the floodplains of Bolivia's Pando province, the 4m long Eunectes beniensis was initially believed to be a hybrid of green and yellow anacondas, but was later determined to be a distinct species. 

DISTINCT: The 4m long Eunectes beniensis is the first new anaconda species to be found since 1936

One of the most extraordinary species, the Ranitomeya amazonica, a frog with an incredible burst of flames on its head, and contrasting water-patterned legs. The frog's main habitat is near the Iquitos area in the region of Loreto, Peru, and is primary lowland moist forest. The frog has also been encountered in the Alpahuayo Mishana National Reserve in Peru. 

A member of the true parrot family, the Pyrilia aurantiocephala has an extraordinary bald head, and displays an astonishing spectrum of colours. Known only from a few localities in the Lower Madeira and Upper Tapajos rivers in Brazil, the species has been listed as ‘near threatened', due to its moderately small population, which is declining owing to habitat loss.

The Amazon River dolphin or pink river dolphin was recorded by science in the 1830s, and given the scientific name of Inia geoffrensis. In 2006, scientific evidence showed that there is a separate species of pink dolphin - Inia boliviensis - of the dolphin in Bolivia, although some scientists consider it a subspecies of Inia geoffrensis. In contrast to the Amazon River dolphins, their Bolivian relatives have more teeth, smaller heads, and smaller but wider and rounder bodies.

• IN THE PINK: Although a pink river dolphin was first recorded in the 1830s, it was not until 2006 that the separate Bolivian pink dolphin was identified

 A blind and tiny, bright red new species of catfish that lives mainly in subterranean waters. Found in the state of Rondonia, Brazil, the fish Phreatobius dracunculus began to appear after a well was dug in the village of Rio Pardo, when they were accidentally trapped in buckets used to extract water. The species has since been found in another 12 of 20 wells in the region.

Although most of the Amazon region remains fairly undisturbed, the threats to it are rapidly increasing. During the past 50 years humankind has caused the destruction of at least 17 per cent of the Amazon rainforest - this is an area greater than the size of Venezuela, or twice the size of Spain

FLAME-HEADED: The amazing markings of the newly discovered Ranitomeya amazonica

80 per cent of deforested areas now cattle pastures
One of the main causes of this transformation is the rapid expansion in regional and global markets for meat, soy and biofuels, increasing the demand for land. It is estimated that 80 per cent of deforested areas in the Amazon are occupied by cattle pastures.

In addition, unsustainable development models, rapid regional economical growth, and increasing energy demands, are also impacting on the Amazon.

The Amazon's forests not only house the most outstanding diversity of life on Earth, but also store 90-140 billion tonnes of carbon. Releasing even a portion of this through further forest loss and land use change, would accelerate global warming significantly compromising life on Earth as we know it.

Urgent action is needed
‘Urgent and immediate action is needed if we are to avoid this frightening scenario,' said Francisco Ruiz. ‘The fate of the Amazon depends on a significant shift in the current way development.'

Through its Living Amazon Initiative, WWF is working towards a comprehensive approach to work with governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote the transformational process needed to bring about an alternative scenario to better preserve the Amazon's biodiversity.

Part of the solution for Amazon nations to safeguard the Amazon's species and habitats is being considered by governments meeting as part of the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity: a multi-country approach to create a complete and effectively managed system of protected areas in the Amazon region.